Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine War on Modern Warfare

With conflicts rising globally, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is providing insights for the U.S. on more efficient and economic warfare strategies.

A discussion centered on drone warfare took place, organized by the nonprofit Razom for Ukraine, which included demonstrations on procurement, training, and even the unconventional use of shotguns to counter drones.

Daniel Balson, the advocacy director for Razom for Ukraine, remarked that discussions about drones inevitably touch on broader topics such as electronic warfare, detonation protocols, AI applications, and procurement systems. According to him, these elements form parts of a larger picture that, when connected properly, enable effective competition in drone warfare. He noted that the U.S. needs to prepare for this evolving battlefield.

Drones have become a dominant force on many fronts. It’s reported that by 2025, 70-80% of active operations in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict will involve drones, according to Geopolitical Intelligence Services. Their utilization is evident not just in Ukraine, but in various conflicts worldwide, from Mexico to the Gaza Strip.

The competition for technological edge in modern combat is fierce and fast-paced. Balson pointed out that there’s truly an arms race, with the innovation cycle now measured in mere days.

Dr. Paul Schwennesen, an Air Force veteran who assists Ukrainians, elaborated by saying that if one is sidelined for a few months, upon return, the situation could seem almost completely transformed.

In contrast, the American defense acquisition system is notoriously slow, often involving processes that stretch over years—sometimes decades—and tends to favor large contractors like Lockheed Martin or Boeing. This can hinder the rapid advancements typical of drone warfare.

Schwennesen explained that the U.S. defense framework usually runs on a model where innovation follows a top-down approach, with centralized directives shaping responses to set needs. In contrast, he noted that Ukraine employs a more dynamic approach called horizontal decision-making, fostering innovation at a grassroots level.

While U.S. defense procurement can take years, Ukraine operates on timelines of days, weeks, or months. According to Balson, drone manufacturers are in close contact with frontline commanders who relay specific needs and challenges. These manufacturers then innovate and roll out new drones in a matter of days.

Past conflicts, such as those in Iran, demonstrate how even nations with lower GDP or non-state actors can significantly disrupt more technologically advanced adversaries through drones.

Schwennesen highlighted the disparity, illustrating how the U.S. has F-35s—new and costly aircraft sitting unused—while countries like Iran, lacking such advanced technology, can still leverage inexpensive drones and strategic ingenuity to pose real threats.